Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal builds on the tight, fast-paced action-platforming that defined its predecessors, offering a rich arsenal of weapons and gadgets that keep each encounter feeling fresh. Most of the time, you’ll control Ratchet as he leaps, dodges, and blasts through hordes of mechanical nasties—robots, aliens, and everything in between. The weapon upgrade system is particularly satisfying: by earning kills or collecting Raritanium shards, you can increase each weapon’s firepower, ammo capacity, or special effects, rewarding you for experimenting with different loadouts.

Occasionally, the narrative shifts perspective, putting you in Clank’s metallic paws for puzzle-oriented segments. These moments offer a welcome change of pace, emphasizing stealth, timing, and clever gadget use over outright combat. And when you’re back in Ratchet’s boots, traversing planets from the windswept dunes of Veldin to the neon-lit corridors of Dr. Nefarious’s flagship, the platforming is both challenging and intuitive, with tight camera controls and responsive jumps that rarely frustrate.

One of the standout additions in Up Your Arsenal is the inclusion of competitive multiplayer modes. Whether you’re battling friends in classic deathmatch or racing through obstacle courses, the two-player split-screen adds hours of replay value. The same weapons and gadgets you unlock in single-player carry over, meaning that mastering a high-powered rocket launcher or an electrified shield can turn the tide in a frantic head-to-head showdown.

Graphics

Visually, Up Your Arsenal remains one of the standout titles on the PlayStation 2, showcasing Insomniac’s flair for vibrant, cartoony art direction. Each planet is brimming with personality—from the lush flora of the Zeldrin Resort to the cold, metallic sheen of Dr. Nefarious’s warship. Textures are surprisingly detailed for the era, and character models pop with exaggerated expressions that suit the game’s comedic tone.

The game runs at a steady frame rate even in the most chaotic firefights, which is no small feat given the particle effects, flying debris, and explosive weaponry on display. Lighting and shadow effects, while not cutting‐edge by today’s standards, still impress with dynamic muzzle flashes and reflective surfaces that make each environment feel lived-in.

Small touches—like the glow of a charged-up Blaster or the sparks flying off a malfunctioning droid—add polish to every encounter. The menus and HUD are clean and informative, displaying your current weapon, ammo count, health, and bolts collected without cluttering the screen. Overall, the graphics may show their age in certain low-res textures, but the artistic charm and technical smoothness hold up remarkably well.

Story

Up Your Arsenal picks up right after the events of Going Commando, with Clank riding the wave of celebrity fame thanks to his hit TV series, Secret Agent Clank. Ratchet’s initial jealousy at playing second fiddle gives way to a genuine partnership as the Galactic President tasks the duo with stopping the evil Dr. Nefarious from eradicating all organic life. It’s a simple premise, but the humor and sharp writing elevate it above the standard save-the-galaxy fare.

Insomniac’s voice cast delivers witty banter at every turn, with TJ H. Rattcliff bringing Ratchet’s cocky charm to life and David Kaye infusing Clank with a perfect blend of stiff-upper-lip seriousness and dry wit. Dr. Nefarious himself is a delightfully over-the-top villain, spouting grandiose threats while secretly nursing his own insecurities—he’s easily one of the series’ most memorable antagonists.

The storyline punctuates the action with fun set pieces, like infiltrating a high-tech museum or racing across a train hurtling through a lava field. Side missions, hidden collectibles, and Captain Qwark’s retro side-scrolling arcade game on the Starship Phoenix all provide additional narrative layers and lore, fleshing out the game’s world without bogging down the pace.

Overall Experience

Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal represents the high-water mark of Insomniac’s early trilogy, marrying refined gameplay mechanics with a delightful sense of humor and style. The balance between platforming, shooting, and light puzzle-solving ensures that every hour feels varied and engaging. Weapon progression keeps you invested in discovering new ways to dispatch your foes, while Clank’s levels and Qwark’s retro arcade sequences offer welcome detours from the main campaign.

The addition of split-screen multiplayer adds significant longevity, allowing players to test their weapon mastery against friends in frantic matches. Whether you’re blasting bolts in a free-for-all or navigating turbo-charged obstacle courses, the multiplayer modes capture the series’ fun-loving spirit and encourage repeat play.

Even years after its initial release, Up Your Arsenal remains a must-play for fans of action-platformers and anyone seeking a polished, humorous adventure. Its memorable characters, inventive level design, and expansive weapon roster combine for an experience that still stands up today. For potential buyers looking for a game that blends heart, humor, and explosive action, Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal is a standout title that deserves a spot in your collection.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10